Wiltshire Converted Cow Barns
Location: Wiltshire
Timescale: 9 Months
Square Footage: 2,034 sqft
Photographer: Adam Carter
When our clients relocated from Scotland to Wiltshire, they wanted to find a home where they could retire. Located just outside the picturesque village of Castle Combe, they decided to purchase a converted barn that sat nestled within lots of green space and was a perfect haven for the countryside living they had been dreaming of.
The clients’ key brief for their new home was to create a space that felt like a holiday retreat, with the comfort and practicality of somewhere they could grow old in. With 2,034 square feet to transform and a limited budget, the focus was on creating a practical, single-storey home that supported their future lifestyle. This included more time outdoors, space for a dog, room to host family and grandchildren, as well as the chance to settle into village life.
The existing barn was quite dark, with deep colours that absorbed the natural light. From the very beginning, our clients expressed a desire to lift and freshen the interior, aiming for a soft, relaxed atmosphere that felt light, warm, and airy. We also worked to highlight the original oak beams, allowing their natural texture to stand out within the brighter, refreshed scheme. The garden was professionally landscaped to extend the sense of calm countryside living.
Working within a fairly tight budget meant thoughtful decision-making. Kitchen showroom visits helped them understand options without feeling overwhelmed, and Neptune quickly emerged as the best balance of quality and value. Bathrooms were more fluid, and the clients were happy to be guided, trusting us to take the lead on layouts, materials, and finishes. We chose long-lasting materials that were true to the building’s character, selecting marble tiles from Mandarin Stone and Fired Earth. Burlington sanitaryware provided timelessness and durability while remaining sympathetic to the property’s heritage. Layered soft furnishings from Fermoie, Wicklewood, and GP & J Baker, as well as lighting pieces from Pooky and Oka added character and warmth.
The barn already featured beautiful bespoke joinery, which simply required repainting and refinishing to feel renewed. A dedicated, organised workspace was also designed for the client’s card-making hobby. Challenges were mainly logistical in this project; while the kitchen and bathrooms progressed smoothly, securing a decorator willing to take on the full space proved difficult. Nevertheless, the final result achieved the desired sense of continuity, with natural tones, fresh finishes, and a space that flows effortlessly into the surrounding garden.
